Lesson 3: Day 4 - Preserving Our History: The Example of Charles Blockson

Google Doc of this Lesson

Activity 1: Dr. Charles L. Blockson Speaks

Overview: In this activity, students engage with the first 10 minutes of a podcast about Dr. Charles L. Blockson—a major figure in preserving African American history in Pennsylvania. As they listen and follow along with the transcript, students will take notes on key takeaways and then share their insights with a partner to build collective understanding.

Time: 20 minutes

Format: Small Groups

Objective: SWBAT identify and explain the contributions of Dr. Charles L. Blockson to African American historical preservation by actively listening to a podcast, taking notes, and participating in peer discussion.

  • Project the video and transcript of 

"African Americans in Pennsylvania: Above Ground and Underground" with Charles Blockson. 

  • Ask students to take notes while listening using the Dr. Charles L. Blockson: Mind Map template

    • Print copies for students to write notes.

  • Pause the podcast occasionally and invite students to share their insights as you go along.

  • After about 10 minutes, stop the podcast. 

  • Pair students or invite them to find a partner on their own. 

  • Ask students to decide who will be Partner #1 and who will be Partner #2. 

    • Tell students that Partner #1 will have about one minute to highlight a few of their takeaways. 

    • Time students and let them know when it is time to switch. 

    • Invite Partner #2 to share their mind map notes with Partner #1. 

  • If time permits, conduct one more round of the same process so students have the opportunity to share their takeaways with at least two other students in the classroom. 

Activity 2: Read Aloud

Overview: In this read-aloud, students will read an excerpt from The Underground Railroad in Pennsylvania (Blockson, 1981) to deepen their understanding of Dr. Charles L. Blockson’s historical research and storytelling. This reading will allow  students to connect Blockson’s spoken insights to his written work.

Time: 15 minutes

Format: Whole Group 

Objective: SWBAT evaluate the significance of Dr. Charles L. Blockson’s oral and written narratives by examining how each medium conveys themes of resistance, preservation, and historical memory.

  • Distribute copies of the excerpt of The Underground Railroad in Pennsylvania by Dr. Charles L. Blockson.

  • Read p. 8-15 aloud as a class, inviting student volunteers to take turns reading.

  • Pause occasionally to ask clarifying questions or highlight key themes that connect back to the podcast content.

Activity 3: Dr. Blockson’s Archive

Overview: In this final activity, students will view a short documentary segment to explore the depth and purpose of Dr. Blockson’s archival work. The film offers a powerful glimpse into how Black history has been preserved through intentional collecting, storytelling, and cultural stewardship.

Format: Whole Group 

Objective: SWBAT examine how Dr. Charles L. Blockson used archival work to preserve African American history by viewing and reflecting on a documentary excerpt that highlights the scope and significance of his collection.

Time: 15 minutes

  • Show Holding History: The Collections of Charles L. Blockson from 0:00-9:09

  • Lead students in a discussion using the following questions: 

    • What surprised or moved you most about the materials in his archive? Why do you think Dr. Blockson chose to preserve those items?

    • If you were to start your own archive of Black history or culture, what kinds of objects, stories, or voices would you include—and why?

    • How do Dr. Blockson’s efforts connect to the work of the Vigilant Committee or the musicians we studied earlier this week? What’s the thread that ties them together?